Moldovan president gives speech on 35th anniversary of proclamation of Sovereignty

President Maia Sandu has given a speech in front of thousands of citizens who participated in the March of Sovereignty. The head of state evoked the courage of those who, on June 23, 1990, had voted to break away from the Soviet Empire and opened the path to the independence of the Republic of Moldova. The speech was held at the Presidential headquarters, where the first democratic parliament of Moldova worked in 1990.

“Thirty five years ago, right here in this building, a group of courageous and hopeful people voted for what the people loudly demanded – sovereignty, freedom, dignity. This was one of the first major victories of the National Liberation Movement” (...) “Sovereignty is not proclaimed, it is built. And today, when Russia wages a hybrid war against Moldova, trying to rewrite our history and weaken us from inside, defending this sovereignty is more relevant than ever.”

Maia Sandu warned about the danger of the Moldovan parliament falling under Moscow’s influence and called for civic vigilance and national unity in the face of crucial elections due in next autumn.

“Moldova has the power to decide its own fate – and that is what we must do. Moldova's parliament must not fall into Moscow's hands – it must remain of the   citizens of Moldova,” said the head of state.

She also recalled essential steps taken in the years of national revival: the return to the Romanian language and Latin script, the hoisting of the tricolor flag, the condemnation of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the declaration of Independence on August 27, 1991.

In her speech, the Moldovan president highlighted that joining the European Union was the guarantee of sovereignty, peace and respect for the dignity of the Moldovan people. Maia Sandu thanked those who had fought in the ‘90s for freedom and national dignity and concluded with a call for courage and civic responsibility:

“Dear citizens,I conclude with a simple thought: if today we live in a free Moldova, it is thanks to those who, 35 years ago, did not remain silent. They were not frightened. They did not retreat. And we cannot afford to retreat. Our sovereignty is at stake in next autumn – which makes the today's celebration of the 35 years since the signing of the Declaration of Sovereignty all the more symbolic. We have the duty to move forward – with heads held high, with honest work, with a clear voice. We should support honest people, true patriots of this country. And to choose a future where life is valued, not scorned. We have the duty to carry on our common aspiration: a sovereign, just and free Moldova – at home, in Europe,” the president said.

Academician Ion Hadarca, first deputy speaker of the first democratically parliament, returned in front of the building where the Declaration of Sovereignty was voted, later also the Declaration of Independence. He emphasized that the “bearer of Sovereignty” is the people.”

“I will invoke here moments, people and emotions, and at the forefront, I will recall a fundamental principle of the Declaration of Sovereignty, which clearly  states: the source and bearer of Sovereignty is the people! How precise as a legal formula and poetic at the same time! Sovereignty as the crystal-clear spring water or as the blooming of lindens that bathe us in the light of freedom and sovereign dignity. Or as the Summer Solstice of the National Liberation Movement. Located between two fatal days: June 19, the day of the Russian army's aggression and the massacre at Tighina, and June 28, the darkest day of the occupation of Bessarabia in 1940 – the day of proclamation of Sovereignty comes as an act of supreme revenge and dignity of the nation rising from its knees,” stated Ion Hadarca.

The March of Sovereignty ended with the musical piece, Sovereignty, with lyrics by Ion Hadarca and music by Ion Aldea Teodorovici, performed by Cristofor Alde Teodorovici and Simona.

Thousands of people today evening participated in the March of Sovereignty initiated by President Maia Sandu. The event marked 35 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty.